Programme summary for MA Postgraduate Diploma Psychodynamic Psychosocial Nursing

About the programme

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Programme structure

Part-time two year Postgraduate Diploma, with further year for MA Dissertation. All modules are core. Modules are taught all day Wednesday from 9.30 to 4.30 pm at Cassel Hospital, 1 Ham Common, Richmond, Surrey.

Students selected to study for the programme will be employed either at the Cassel Hospital as F grade nurses, in West London Mental Health NHS Trust, of which the Cassel Hospital is a part, or in other mental health services. It is a requirement that students continue in their employment during the programme, as the integration of theory and practice is central to its philosophy and assumptions. This employment, in the field of mental health or social care, must provide learning opportunities for students to develop their practice as psychodynamic psychosocial nurses, with appropriate professional supervision.

Career opportunities

The programme aims to develop and enhance the student’s academic and professional knowledge and skills so that they may go on to become senior nurses, clinical supervisors and managers, and apply and develop this practice model in a range of mental health and social care settings.

Support

Each student will be:

Allocated a personal tutor who will provide pastoral and academic support.
Provided with a work based mentor, with whom they will have regular meetings.
Receiving clinical supervision from a senior G grade nurse for a minimum of 1 hour per fortnight.
Attending a clinical seminar weekly throughout the 2 academic years, to discuss and reflect upon their development as psychodynamic psychosocial nursing.
Supported administratively by the Cassel Training and Consultancy Administrator.
Members of the Cassel Hospital specialist library and the data bases and internet facilities it provides.
Provided with refreshment facilities, and access to the Cassel staff common room.

Admission

RMN or RGN Nursing Qualification, or equivalent professional qualification, with UKCC Registration
And, at least 2 years post-qualification experience in nursing or social care
In employment in mental health or social care as qualified nurses throughout the duration of the programme
Applicants who meet these admission requirements will attend a 1-day selection event, composed of group and individual interviews, and an information session about the programme